Spacer and components therefor

Abstract

A spacer comprising a polycarbonate chamber and a flow valve located within the chamber. The chamber comprises: a first reservoir and a second reservoir; an inlet for admission of aerosolized medication into the first reservoir; an outlet for withdrawal of medication from the second reservoir; and a vent for expulsion of air from the second reservoir. The flow valve is adapted to: allow forward-flow of medication from the first reservoir to the second reservoir during user inspiration; substantially limit inflow of air through the vent into the second reservoir during user inspiration, substantially limit backflow of air or medication from the second reservoir to the first reservoir during user expiration; and allow expulsion of air from the second reservoir through the vent during user expiration.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD[0001]The present invention relates to a spacer and / or components therefor. In one particular aspect the invention relates to a flow valve for use in a spacer.BACKGROUND ART[0002]Any discussion of documents, devices, acts or knowledge in this specification is included to explain the context of the invention. It should not to be taken as an admission that any of the material forms a part of the prior art base or the common general knowledge in the relevant art in Australia or elsewhere on or before the priority date of the disclosure herein.[0003]Sufferers of asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) often use a metered dose inhaler in order to inhale a bronchodilatory drug such as Salbutimol into their lungs, thereby opening up their pathologically constricted airways. However, if the patient is unable to co-ordinate spraying of the medication into their mouth (which is actuated by depressing a medication canister inside a housing of the inhaler), with a ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0029]The second flow control portion may be adapted to close during user inspiration, thereby substantially limiting outside air from flowing through the vent into the se

Problems solved by technology

However, if the patient is unable to co-ordinate spraying of the medication into their mouth (which is actuated by depressing a medication canister inside a housing of the inhaler), with a deep inspiratory breath, much of the medication may be deposited on the back of their mouth instead of being drawn deep into their lungs.

A disadvantage of prior art spacers such as the one mentio

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